How Do I Create A Garden With A Focus On Attracting Beneficial Ground-dwelling Spiders For Natural Pest Control?
Spiders are an inevitable part of living in Colorado. With their spindly legs and creepy crawlies, they can be a source of terror for many. For some, the fear of spiders is enough to keep them up at night, and wondering what exactly attracts them to their homes in the first place.
While some may be completely fine with coexisting with spiders, others may want to know how to keep them away from their homes completely. Regardless of where you fall on the spectrum, it helps to know what exactly attracts spiders to your home in the first place.
1. Cracks and gaps in doors and windows
Spiders are tiny and can fit into some of the smallest spaces. Even the tiniest cracks and gaps in your doors and windows can be an open invitation for spiders to crawl in. Make sure you have weather stripping in place and that your doors and windows are properly sealed to avoid any unwanted eight-legged guests.
2. Lights left on at night
Spiders are attracted to light, so if you leave your outdoor lights on overnight, you may be inviting them right to your doorstep. Instead, opt for motion sensor lights that only turn on when someone is nearby, or switch to less-attractive yellow bulbs to keep spiders away.
3. Piles of leaves, wood, and other debris
Spiders love to make their homes in piles of leaves, wood, and other debris. If you have a lot of these things in your yard, you may be asking for trouble. Keep your yard clean and debris-free to discourage spiders from setting up shop in your space.
4. Clutter and messes inside your home
Just like in your yard, spiders are attracted to piles of clutter and messes inside your home. If you tend to leave things lying around, you may be providing the perfect hiding spot for spiders. Make sure to keep your home clean and tidy to avoid any unwanted arachnid guests.
5. Moisture in and around your home
Spiders are also attracted to moisture, so if you have any leaks or standing water in or around your home, you may be inviting them right in. Make sure to fix any leaks and keep your home dry to avoid any spider infestations.
6. Overgrown landscaping
Overgrown landscaping can provide the perfect hiding spot for spiders. If you have a lot of overgrown bushes or plants in your yard, you may be inviting spiders right to your door. Keep your landscaping trimmed and neat to discourage any unwanted eight-legged guests.
7. Other pests in your home
Spiders are predators and love to eat other pests in your home like flies, mosquitoes, and even other spiders. If you have a lot of other pests in your home, you may be inviting spiders right in. Make sure to address any other pest problems you may have to avoid any spider infestations.
While spiders may be a common occurrence in Colorado, keeping them out of your home doesn't have to be difficult. By taking a few simple steps, you can help keep your home spider-free and avoid any unwanted encounters with these eight-legged creatures.
